Kate Van Auken, served in the Army Reserve for 25 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) and having mobilized or deployed over 8 years including: Iraq (2003-2005, 2010) and Afghanistan (2008-2009, 2011), Pentagon/NSA Security (2001-2002, Pentagon Army Operations Center (2005-2006), OSD-Defense POW & MIA Office (2010-2012), OSD-Joint IED Defeat Organization (20012-2013). In 2013, she adopted a four-legged veteran, a black Labrador Retriever named Sergeant Rey (Retired Marine IED Detection Dog with multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan). Currently, they volunteer with a Veteran Service Dog training program (Dog T.A.G.S.) to help alleviate symptoms for service-members suffering from PTSD, TBI or MST.